In order to make it safely through the winter, your car will need all of the extra attention and maintenance it can get. This is especially true when it comes to your car’s motor oil, because this oil plays a vital role in protecting your engine even when the temperatures drop below freezing. This guide will help you better understand the importance of winter oil changes in Athens County, OH, and will provide you with some useful tips that will help to ensure that your car has what it takes to power through another winter.

Cold temperatures thicken oil

At outdoor temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the oil in your car thickens to a viscosity that resembles maple syrup. At this consistency, it will take a little while for the oil to begin circulating after you start your car, and if the temperatures drop lower than that, this process becomes even more difficult.

If the motor oil in your car is old and dirty and is already thickened with debris and other unsafe contaminants, the added thickness that naturally occurs in colder temperatures could be setting you up for major troubles. If the oil gets too thick and does not provide sufficient lubrication, additional strain will be placed on your engine and battery, and it is possible that, during extremely cold weather, your car may not start at all.

How to avoid damage during the winter

Over the years, manufacturers have developed special motor oil formulas that have eliminated the need to use two different types of oil in the warm weather and the cold weather, but it is still important to pay attention to the consistency of your oil when the temperatures drop. The best thing you can do for your car during the winter is make sure that you are on schedule with your routine oil changes. Without the proper amount of oil, all of your engine’s components will begin grinding against each other unnaturally, and the potential damage that can be caused by this will only be worsened in extremely cold weather.

It is also best to allow your car to warm up for a few minutes before getting on the road. Although this might seem like a small step to take, giving the oil time to heat up and reach the proper fluidity needed to lubricate your engine before driving can go a long way in helping you get through the winter without causing extensive damage to your vehicle.

Oil changes are a critical part of your year-round car maintenance routine, but they become that much more important when the temperatures threaten the efficient operation of your car. Contact us at Dana’s Tire Center for your next oil change in Athens County, OH right away, and let us help make sure that your car is ready to make it through this winter and many more in the future. Give us a call to schedule your appointment or pay us a visit today—we look forward to serving you!